Frequently Asked Questions when buying a Foil Board:
What type of Foil board should I choose?
The board is one of the most important elements of wing foil equipment. The right board for you will depend on your skill level, your weight, and the type of conditions in which you plan to wing foil. When choosing a board, you should consider the volume, shape, and material.
Specialized Foil Boards
Specialized wing foil boards are becoming increasingly popular, and it's no wonder, as they are the perfect boards for this sport that has gained great popularity in recent years. Specialized wing foil boards are characterized by being short, wide, high, and with a lot of volume.
- ShortsWing foil boards are quite short compared to surf or stand up paddle (SUP) boards. This is because, when doing wing foil, you need to maneuver a lot and a shorter board allows you to do so more easily.
- WideWing foil boards are wide to provide good stability when stationary. Additionally, having a greater width makes the board easier to maneuver.
- HighsWing foil boards are tall because they need to pack a lot of volume into a small space. With more volume, the board is more stable and easier to handle.
For beginners, a longer board will allow for correcting positioning errors and avoiding falls, making it a better option than a shorter one.
What is the recommended volume for a Foil board?
The volume of the board is crucial for buoyancy and stability. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to choose a larger board to gain stability and have more margin for error. As your skill improves, you can opt for a smaller board with less volume to gain maneuverability.
- Volume recommendation based on the rider's weight:
- For wingfoilers under 65 kg: 75 – 105 L of recommended volume.
- For wingfoilers under 85 kg: 95 – 125 L of recommended volume.
- For wingfoilers weighing 85 to 120 kg: 100 – 140 L of recommended volume.
The ideal volume is greater (+30 liters) than the total weight of the rider and the board combined. For more experienced riders, a margin of +10 liters is sufficient. Only the most professional riders can afford a negative volume (liters volume less than total weight), but this requires good technique and physical condition.
What are the differences between rigid and inflatable foil boards?
Rigid tables:
- Advantages:
- Stiffer underfoot, allowing for faster acceleration and takeoff.
- Greater stability in strong wind or choppy conditions.
- More variety of shapes and sizes.
- Disadvantages:
- More fragile, they can be damaged if hit.
- More expensive than the inflatable ones.
- They take up more space and are more difficult to transport.
Inflatable tables:
- Advantages:
- Easy to transport and store.
- More durable and impact-resistant.
- Greater comfort thanks to its soft and flexible surface.
- Disadvantages:
- They take longer to install and repackage.
- Less rigid, which can make takeoff difficult in strong winds.
- Less variety of shapes and sizes.
Both options are good and you will switch tables as you progress. Don't worry about this, as the tables can be easily resold.
What is the importance of footstraps on a Foil board?
It is important to consider the inserts for footstraps on your wing foil board. The footstraps allow you to have better grip and a more secure connection with the board, which is especially important for difficult maneuvers. They reduce fatigue and decrease the risk of injuries. You are not required to use them, but it is advisable to have the option.
In conclusion, choosing the right board for wing foil is essential to enjoy an optimal learning experience. Remember to consider your weight, height, and wind strength to make the best decision. If you are a beginner, choose a larger board to gain stability and be able to progress.